Sermons on Applications:

Unity

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on May 25, 2005

Paul’s final appeal in this letter is a call for unity. In the first nine chapters he addressed the majority of the Christians in the Corinthian assembly. In chapters 10 - 13:10, his words were directed primarily to those who questioned his integrity. In

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: In the church there is a bond of family, yet room for variety. The devil tries to disrupt unity. To chickens tied at the legs and thrown over a clothesline may be united, but they do not have unity. (Leslie Flynn, Great Church Fights - Swindoll’s Book of Illustrations, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Denomination: Baptist

Faith

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Oct 13, 2004

The text seems to suggest that the bearers of “Bad News” will always come, but the author of “Good News” is always in control. Jesus hears and ignores what others are saying. He has the last word. He is the author and finisher of our faith.

One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee to the roof. The father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms, calling to his son, “Jump! I’ll catch you.” He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:35-43

Denomination: Baptist

Transfiguration

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 8, 2004

Jesus’ mountaintop experience - the Transfiguration

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.” (Matt. 17:1–2) The transfiguration preceded Jesus’ time ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Organization

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 9, 2004

By obeying the commands of God for organization the Israelites became more effective.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: The books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers present a striking contrast between how much we can accomplish when we obey God and how little we can accomplish when we don’t. The organization of the Israelite camp was ordered by God. By obeying the commands of God for ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 2:1-34

Denomination: Baptist

Judgment

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 12, 2004

God’s judgment on Korah, Dathan, and Abiram and those who followed them.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: In these verses we find that a time of public demonstration was set where Korah and his company were to bring their censers with burning incense before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle. At that time God would show who His holy servants were. As the events of the ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 16:23-50

Denomination: Baptist

Responsibility

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 12, 2004

The Lord makes it clear that it is the responsibility of the priests to minister in the tabernacle and protect it from being defiled.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Philip Melancthon, the great Reformation theologian, once said to his friend Martin Luther, “This day you and I will discuss the governance of the universe.” What Luther said in response was unexpected: “This day you and I will go fishing and leave the governance of the ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 18:1-19, Deuteronomy 14:22-29

Denomination: Baptist

Hesitation

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Nov 12, 2004

Just as the Israelites were hesitant to clear out all the wicked people, it is easy for me to be hesitant to clear out all the sin that may be in my life.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: We, as the people of God, have been given a promise. We have a land awaiting us in which we have yet to inherit. It is already ours but for us to receive it, we like the Israelites need some instruction. The land I am talking about is not the blessed promised land of ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 33:1-56

Denomination: Baptist

Organized

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Mar 28, 2005

Two things are specifically emphasized in this passage: 1. "Let all things be done unto edifying" (v. 26). 2. "Let all things be done decently and in order" (v. 40).

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: In a Peanuts cartoon Lucy demanded that Linus change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he didn’t. “What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?” asks Linus. “These five fingers,” says Lucy. “Individually they’re nothing but when I curl ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:26-40

Denomination: Baptist

Steward

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 21, 2005

A steward is one who takes care of another person’s affairs but owns nothing himself. In today’s world he might be called a manager.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: St Augustine wrote Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure. Where your treasure is, there is your heart. Where you heart is, there is your happiness. (In Who Said That by George Sweeting) In this chapter, Paul presents three characteristics of a true ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Humility

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 21, 2005

Apparently trying to humble the Corinthians, Paul makes a series of contrasts.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: A well-known Christian businessman who was visiting a church was asked to give his testimony. He said, "I have a fine family, a large house, a successful business, and a good reputation. I have plenty of money so I can support some Christian ministries very generously. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:6-13

Denomination: Baptist

Preparing Today For Tomorrow's Wonders Series

Contributed by Michael Wilson on Sep 15, 2006

Are you preparing today for the wonders that God wants to do in your life tomorrow? This look at Joshua 3:1-5 will help you learn how to follow God’s presence, consecrate yourself and learn how to see God’s amazing works.

Introduction •Man was created that can exist in the natural, materialistic realm and in the supernatural, spiritual realm. This is a very important concept for us to grasp. •The Israelites are ready to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land. •They received a great report from the two ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 3:1-5

Denomination: Charismatic

The Word And Worship Series

Contributed by Jonathan Russell on Jul 3, 2007

Examining the role of Scripture in our private and public worship

From the worship service in Nehemiah 8, we learn five responses we must have to the Word of God in worship. 1. We must give ATTENTION to the Word of God (v. 1-3) A. Do we, like the people, come together to receive the Word of God? (v. 1a) B. Are we, like the people, hungry for the Word of God? (v. ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Conqueror

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 7, 2005

In my lifetime I will go through troubles beyond my control. All things do work together for good as Jesus is conforming me to His image. I will conqueror life’s problems through Jesus Christ.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: It is said that about 200 years ago the tomb of the great conqueror Charlemagne was opened. The sight the workmen saw was startling. There was his body in a sitting position, clothed in the most elaborate of kingly garments, with a scepter in his bony hand. On his knee ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:35-37

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Celebrated At A Wedding Series

Contributed by Robert Galasso on Feb 16, 2002

God is present in every moment and in every event of your life.

Introduction: During this time in history, weddings were week-long festivals. The entire week would be spent celebrating the new life of the married couple. Often the entire town was invited and careful planning was required to take care of all the guests. To run out of wine was not only ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Asked For A Drink Series

Contributed by Robert Galasso on Feb 18, 2002

What questions are you asking, and to whom are you speaking?

Introduction: After the Northern Kingdom,with its capital in Samaria, fell to the Assyrians, many Jews were deported to Assyria, and foreigners were brought in to settle the land and keep the peace. (2 Kings 17:24). The intermarriage between those foreigners and the remaining Jews resulted in a ...read more

Scripture: John 4:1-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational